The Importance of Counselling in the Workplace

For many people, the workplace can be a stressful environment. This is especially the case in the wake of COVID-19, during which individuals became used to working from the comfort of their own home. While some will prefer being back in the office, others may feel a considerable level of anxiety.

On the flipside, there are high numbers of employees who are struggling with the isolation of working from home. There may also be deeper problems, like a bereavement or some other life transition, that could be affecting an employee’s ability to remain productive and feel satisfied in their job.

In response to this plethora of issues, companies have recognised the need to support their employees in some way, but usually they turn to EAP (Employee Assistance Programmes) providers, who only provide a more generalised, one-size-fits-all service as opposed to targeted personalised support. A more specific workplace counselling service, like the one offered by us, can be so important for the workplace. Here are a couple reasons why.

A Better Working Environment
If an employee is going through an issue of some kind, like depression, it does not just affect them. If mental health issues are not addressed, people will bring that stress into the workplace. They may withdraw into themselves and communicate less. Over time, this bad feeling seeps into the wider office environment, creating an atmosphere governed by stress and negativity.

Giving your employees the right kind of bespoke support, on the other hand, makes them feel supported and understood. They will feel less alone and bring a happier attitude to the workplace. The overall mood of the office consequently improves, leading to better relationships and more effective communication.

Improved Productivity
Along with helping employees feel happier and more fulfilled in their daily life, workplace counselling has a practical use as well. The simple reality is that an unhappy person makes an unproductive, unreliable employee. They may struggle to concentrate, or perhaps call in sick more often, bringing overall productivity down and costing employers money.

Having a dedicated support system in place, where any employee can seek confidential workplace counselling adapted to their needs, shows that you care about your employee. This, in turn, gives them greater incentive to not just work to the best of their ability each day but also remain at the company for longer.

If you are looking for workplace counselling in Hampstead or online for your business, get in touch with us or head to our Workplace Counselling page to find out more. Once up and running, we provide a 30-minute consultation to gain a full understanding of the needs of any employee who comes to us. This generally involves a CBT-based, solution-oriented approach, delivered either over Zoom or at the office, depending on their preferences.